Congresswoman hears citizens’ federal issues

BONITA  U.S. Rep. Susan Davis visited with South County residents Tuesday to hear how federal issues impact citizens, and she heard plenty about Social Security, aid for veterans and school board corruption.

“I think in many ways they represent some of the frustrations that everybody’s feeling right now and wanting Congress to move forward on their behalf,” Davis said during the “Neighborhood Day” meeting at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library that attracted about 50 people.

“The (budget) deficits we face today are not the result of Social Security,” Davis said, assuring citizens the federal government doesn’t intend to target people who are vulnerable, or who may become so in the future. “What we’re faced with is … cutting spending and finding revenues.”

Nick Marinovich, chairman of the Sweetwater school district citizens’ bond oversight committee, encouraged Davis to have a staff member attend a school board meeting.

“This is the most dysfunctional school board I’ve ever seen,” Marinovich said.

Davis acknowledged that citizens are important in providing transparency.

“The most important thing that I felt as a school board member is that the focus should be on education, not the adults,” said Davis, who served as a San Diego Unified School District trustee before being elected to the state Assembly and then to Congress.

“Four of our sitting board members have been indicted,” Adato said. “In our district (educational) programs are being cut and money is being used for pet projects. We don’t know where to turn.”

Several men and women asked Davis for more support at the federal level for veterans regarding health and education, saying they felt ignored by the government after serving their country and returning home.

“Right now we have so many people that need attention…” Davis said.

Vietnam veteran Jesse Michel, 62, said he has fought the federal government since 1971 in order to receive proper compensation.

“I suffer from PTSD,” Michel said. “For myself and others to wait that long to get what we need — I understand the situation, but something needs to change. We really need for Congress to do something.”

Davis, a member of the Armed Services Committee, said she knows the issue well.

“A day doesn’t go by that I don’t deal with this issue and I have visited the troops many, many times. I just go because it’s so important to make that connection,” she said. “I’m continuing to work with military families.”

Glenette Brooks served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1988 to 1992. She also has a son and daughter currently serving in the military.

Brooks said part of the problem is that many in the military feel that seeking help for mental issues is stigmatizing.

“My son has PTSD and is having trouble assimilating but doesn’t want to see anyone because he’s afraid it’s going to end his career,” Brooks said. “I’m trying to work with him to go get help.”

Davis said that mentality is wrong.

“We know we want to deal with it, but really when it comes to it we still stigmatize people,” Davis said. “When they don’t get help it gets worse. We’ve got to get a handle on this.”